Chinese Government Procurement Rules Unfair, Industries Say

Global technology, service and manufacturing companies are raising concerns to the Chinese government over new rules they fear could restrict or block foreign vendors from selling high-tech gear to China's government agencies.

More than two dozen major industry groups from North America, Europe and Asia -- representing most of the world's major technology companies -- sent a letter recently to Chinese ministries saying they were "deeply troubled" by the Chinese requirement.

The companies are responding to rules released in a circular the Chinese government posted on a Web site in late October but didn't publicize. The new rule requires vendors to gain accreditation for their products before they can be included in a government procurement catalog of products containing "indigenous innovation."